Why when I turn VPN on does my internet speed drop to 50% of what I had and why does VPN stop me from opening website I use to when it is not turned on.
Hello @Ervin_See
Are you running Norton VPN or VPN in Norton 360?
AI Mode
A speed drop when using a VPN is normal due to its core functions, and a 50% reduction can be caused by factors such as encryption overhead, distance to the server, and server congestion.
Why Your Speed Drops with a VPN
- Encryption Overhead: The primary reason for a speed reduction is the encryption and decryption process. Every data packet must be encrypted on your device, sent to the VPN server, and then decrypted. This computational process takes time and consumes a portion of your bandwidth, which inherently slows the connection speed.
- Physical Distance to Server: Your internet traffic is routed through a remote VPN server. If you are physically far from that server (e.g., in the US but connected to a server in Australia), the data must travel a greater distance, which increases latency (delay) and reduces speed.
- Server Congestion: If a specific VPN server is overloaded with too many users at once, the available bandwidth is divided among them, leading to slower speeds for everyone connected to that server. This is especially common with free VPN services.
- Inefficient VPN Protocols: The VPN protocol you use (the rules for how the VPN handles your traffic) also impacts speed. Some protocols, like OpenVPN (TCP), prioritize stability and security over speed, while others, like WireGuard or IKEv2, are more optimized for performance.
- ISP Throttling: In some cases, your Internet Service Provider (ISP) might detect encrypted traffic and intentionally slow down (throttle) your connection.
How to Improve Your VPN Speed
- Connect to a Nearby Server: Choose a VPN server that is geographically closer to your physical location for the shortest data route.
- Switch Servers: If a nearby server is slow, it might be congested. Try connecting to a different server location with a lighter load.
- Change Protocols: If available, experiment with different VPN protocols in your app’s settings. WireGuard and IKEv2/IPsec are often faster than OpenVPN, especially the UDP version of OpenVPN over the TCP version.
Use a Wired Connection: An Ethernet connection is generally more stable and faster than Wi-Fi, which can help maintain optimal speeds with your VPN. - Close Background Apps: Ensure no other applications are using significant bandwidth in the background.
- Use Split Tunneling: If available, use the split tunneling feature to route only specific application traffic through the VPN, leaving other traffic to use your regular, faster connection.
- Restart Devices: A simple restart of your router and device can often resolve underlying network or software issues.
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AI Mode
When your VPN is turned on, some websites may become inaccessible because they actively detect and block IP addresses associated with VPN services.
Why Websites Block VPNs
- Content Licensing and Geographic Restrictions: Many streaming services (like Netflix, Hulu, or BBC iPlayer) and media companies have specific licensing agreements that only allow their content to be viewed in certain regions. They block VPN traffic to enforce these geo-restrictions and comply with copyright laws.
- Security Measures and Fraud Prevention: Banks, e-commerce sites, and other services may block VPN users to prevent fraudulent activities, account takeovers, or the circumvention of security controls. An unusual IP address can be flagged as a potential security risk.
- Preventing Spam and Abuse: Some websites, forums, or online services block VPN IPs to stop spammers, bots, and users who have previously violated their terms of service from creating new accounts or causing disruptions.
- VPN IP Address Blacklisting: Major VPN providers use IP addresses that are shared by many users. Companies and organizations compile lists of these known “VPN IPs” and block access from them. If your VPN IP address is on one of these blacklists, you will be blocked from accessing the site .
- Website Misconfiguration: Sometimes, legitimate VPN traffic might be mistakenly identified as malicious by a website’s firewall or security software, resulting in a block.
Websites block VPN users for various reasons, including enforcing geographic restrictions (geo-blocking), preventing fraud and abuse, and managing site security and advertising practices. When your VPN is on, the website sees the IP address of the VPN server, not your real IP address, and decides to block the connection.
What is the difference between Norton VPN and VPN in Norton 360?
